Other Sports of Thursday, 23 May 2013

Source: Joy Online

Black Sharks drowned by Morocco in opening game

Ghana's National Beach Soccer team, the Black Sharks failed to record their first point in the ongoing African Beach Soccer Championship , after they were thrashed 9-2 by the hosts, Morocco in a Group A opener at the El Jedida Beach Soccer Arena yesterday.

The Moroccans showed their class few seconds into the game when Striker Nassim's acrobatic effort beat Ghana goalie, Daniel Osabutey. The black sharks quickly pulled level after Divine Sappor turned in an expertly struck free kick.

But that equalizer served the north Africans the tonic needed for the rest of the game as they overpowered the Ghanaians with their pace and tactical positioning.

The Moroccans continued to create chances but Daniel Osabutey's bravery kept them at bay till the final seconds of the first half when two more goals were let in courtesy Nasim and Boulakuaoba.

The misery of the sharks on the night was heavily compounded in the second half , as the host team put four more goals past them much to the excitement of the vociferous Moroccan fans in the Arena.

Ghana then got on the score sheet through Joseph Larweh's strike to inspire a possible come back in the final half of the game , but the dream was utterly shuttered.

Striker Brigel widened the score margin . For Morocco 's Talisman ,Nassim, his sharpness on the night earned him a well deserved hat- trick which wrapped the emphatic 9-2 Opening day Victory.

The win sends Morocco to the top of Group A because of a superior goal margin than Senegal who beat Madagascar 7-3.

Ghana's hopes of making it to the Beach Soccer World Cup now hinge on the Next Game against the highly Favored Senegalese Team.

In Group B defending champions Nigeria had a bright start to their campaign after beating Libya 8-4 to go top of the Group.

Ivory Coast also showed class has as they brushed aside Egypt with resounding 4-1 victory.

The games continue today in both groups at the El Jedida Beach Soccer Arena.